SDG MAX: Custom Partnerships vs. Pre-Built Programs

SDG MAX offers two ways to build a high-impact partnership: a fully customized program or a goal-based, pre-built program. Both approaches provide bundled value, access to SDG’s portfolio of brands, expert content development, and dedicated support.

The right approach depends on how clearly the client has defined its objectives, how quickly it wants to move, and how much customization the program requires.

Custom MAX Partnerships

A custom MAX partnership is built from the ground up around the client’s specific marketing goals. Instead of selecting from fixed tiers, the sales team can bring together the brands, audiences, channels, content, events, and industry moments that best support the client’s strategy.

A custom program may be designed around objectives such as entering a new market, reaching influential architecture or design firms, building awareness within a particular sector, launching a product, developing thought leadership, or owning a major industry moment such as NeoCon.

Best for:

• Clients with a clearly defined strategic vision
• Complex or multi-channel marketing objectives
• Cross-brand campaigns
• Sector-specific audience goals
• Major product launches or industry moments
• Programs requiring custom content, events, or deliverables
• Clients seeking a distinctive, tailored market presence

Pre-Built SDG MAX Programs

Pre-built SDG MAX programs provide proven, goal-focused structures for clients that want to move quickly. Each program is designed around a specific business objective, audience, market, or industry moment and includes a coordinated mix of relevant opportunities.

Available programs address goals such as establishing foundational visibility, reaching hospitality decision-makers, building awareness with the architecture community, supporting key market seasons, or maximizing visibility around NeoCon.

Best for:

• Clients that want a faster planning process
• Clients with a defined goal but no established media plan
• Brands seeking a proven combination of opportunities
• New or emerging SDG advertisers
• Programs tied to a specific audience, sector, or industry moment
• Sales conversations that benefit from a clear starting point

Pre-Built Does Not Mean Inflexible

Every pre-built program can serve as the foundation for a more tailored recommendation. Depending on the client’s needs, the sales team may be able to change participating brands, add a placement, incorporate an event, or layer in additional opportunities.

Any changes to a pre-built program should be reviewed and approved before pricing or deliverables are presented to the client.

How to Choose

Start by asking:

• What is the client’s primary marketing goal?
• Which audience is the client trying to reach?
• Is the client focused on a particular sector or industry moment?
• Does the client need print, digital, content, social, events, or a combination?
• Does an existing pre-built program closely match the objective?
• How much customization does the client require?
• How quickly does the client want to launch?
• What is the available investment?
• Which opportunities currently have inventory?

Choose a custom partnership when the client’s objectives require a program built around a specific vision or complex set of needs.

Choose a pre-built program when an existing program already aligns with the client’s objective and provides an efficient path forward.

Start with a pre-built program and customize it when the structure is a strong fit but needs another brand, placement, event, or channel.

Best for: Determining the right SDG MAX approach, preparing discovery conversations, developing strategic recommendations, and helping clients understand the flexibility of SDG MAX.

View details: Explore SDG MAX 2027